Mechanical Alterations of Rabbit Achilles' Tendon After Immobilization Correlate With Bone Mineral Density But Not With Magnetic Resonance or Ultrasound Imaging

This study established weakened mechanical properties of immobilized Achilles' tendons. BMD of the calcaneus, but not MRI and US, was predictive of the mechanical alterations in immobilized Achilles' tendons. BMD may be a useful biomarker to monitor disease and recovery in Achilles' tendons.